Delta GEMS

The Delta GEMS Program (formerly known as Delteens) is a youth community service program of Tampa Alumnae Chapter that began in the early 70's. In 2006, the program was renamed to Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully). This is an extension of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy program. The Delta GEMS Program name and content was changed to be consistent with other teen programs sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chapters. Delta GEMS is now called Delta Academy II and focuses on teenage girls between the ages of 14-18 and/or grades 9-12.

The Delta GEMS initiative was designed to "catch the dreams" of African American at-risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18. The program objective provides the frame work to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a "CAN DO" attitude.

The goals for Delta GEMS are:

• To promote positive societal interactions
• To develop effective written and oral communication skills
• To encourage self-confidence, self-motivation and self-discipline
• To foster meaningful public service; including mentoring and networking
• To strive for intellectual enrichment
• To assist with the exploration of various career paths and means for obtaining them (college and / or vocational skills training)
• To support talents in academics, technology, sports, and fine arts, and
• To maintain moral values and personal pride while experiencing the crossroads of life